Eek-a-Mouse is since 1979 the stage name for the Jamaican dancehall deejay … Read Full Bio ↴Eek-a-Mouse is since 1979 the stage name for the Jamaican dancehall deejay artist, songwriter and music producer Ripton Hylton (⋆ 19 Nov 1957 in Kingston, Jamaica). He is one of Jamaica's premier dancehall stars known for songs as Ganja Smuggling and The Freak and is also seen as a good reggae artist. He advanced the sub-genre singjaying, created by early toasters like Big Youth. Eek-A-Mouse had his most successful years 1979-1992. His debute studio album Bubble Up Yu Hip was released 1980 and his latest with new material Eekziled 2011. His carrier stopped 2008 when was arrested on charges of rape and narcotic possession, fled to USA and later to Paraguay. In July 2013 he was released after a plea agreement, having pleaded "no contest" to misdemeanor charges for assault on a female and attempted crime against nature, with his time already spent in prison covering his sentence. He now performs again.
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Born in Kingston, Jamaica as Ripton Hylton, Eek-a-Mouse began his foray into reggae music when he was in college, but did not begin to garner a substantial audience until 1979 with his hit "Once a Virgin". This same year, he changed his singing name to "Eek-a-Mouse", the name of the racehorse he always bet on. In 1981, he cheered up the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, which was still mourning over the death of reggae icon Bob Marley. After this, his fame continued increasing through the year 1982 until 1988, when he released "Eek-A-Nomics", his last full-length CD until 1996.

Eek-a-Mouse is a regular at the Jamaican music festival Reggae Sunsplash and often teams up with reggae duo Michigan and Smiley. He has also been featured on Christian rock group P.O.D.'s (Payable on Death) album Satellite, lending his vocals to the rock-reggae track "Ridiculous".

Ghetto
Eek-a-Mouse Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chorus]
I've got a bullet in the clip so what ya want?
I've got a lyric I can spit so what ya want?
I'm giving bitches good dick so what ya want?
Hey, hey, so what'cha want?
My Ghetto Pop Life hotter than a hot slice
I'm an urban entertainer of the hot nights
I don't wanna see no end because it's not right

I'm just a brother who never
Compromised his integrity
My legacy is heavenly
Bury me in the hood
Never think I'm not cautious, hey
I recognize what a wrong look'll cost us
So inside I'm always nervous
But I never look worried
Come for me
Gun shot flurries in a hurry
Come get me
And be where I perform, stay warm
I'm prepared for the storm
And I brought the heat with me
Lord, please talk to these boys
'Fore I leave they evening spoilt
Put 'em six feet up under the soil
Looking at the roots of trees
Better yet leave they bodies all out in the open so the flies can feed
And when the 'hood get dry I supply the need
Y'all fagot niggas keep it moving honey riding with me
So what ya want?

[Chorus]

And I never politic when I be on some cool out shit
Don't even run up on me talking 'bout some artist that you signed
'Cos I don't really give a fuck and I ain't really got the time
I'm trying to put some money in my clothes
Sean clothes, Jah clothes
First, did you come with six zeros?
Fuck y'all then, I'm trying to put some dubs on the road
Then just slide up in the club and try to bubble some hoes
Player, the harder we grind, the further we go
I'm at the point I'm ready to commit a murder to blow
Whatever it takes, I see the nigga holding the case
Look dead in his face, hit the nigga holding the weight
Make his man take me to the crib and go in the safe
Jah done made the reservation so we ready to peel
For real, without no hesitation Nitty bustin' the steel
So what ya what?

[Chorus]

I'm a O.G in the flesh (true to life)
Giving birth to these young seeds (new to life)
East New York Bed-Stuy nigga (do or die)
I was aiming for his head (it went through his eye)
Pimp nigga, Goldie, Shaft (super fly)
Mixed with a little cheese (from Coolie High)
Mommy how you gonna move? (when it's just you and I)
Pardon me a second dude (you better get in line)
Confrontation time, get in line or spit a rhyme
I ain't looking for no beef but I will oblige
I'm kinda quiet but surprise I ain't really shy
Didn't mean to shock you with the real
But niggas know the deal
When I'm up in punk knockers and down in Sugar Hill
Call me Mr Foreverman, can't say I never ran and never will
But when the shells get to flying and I don't got skill
I get ghost then I bounce
Come back and a nigga be ready to throw toast
So what ya want?

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ghetto" by Eek-a-Mouse touch upon various aspects of life in the ghetto, expressing the artist's experiences, thoughts, and emotions. The chorus reflects a sense of defiance and strength, with Eek-a-Mouse boasting about his skills as a lyricist and his ability to provide pleasure, both sexually and musically. He affirms his presence in the urban entertainment scene and expresses a desire for the ghetto lifestyle to continue, despite acknowledging that it may not be right.

The first verse addresses the artist's refusal to compromise his integrity, emphasizing the heavenly legacy he wants to leave behind. He mentions his cautiousness and nervousness, but emphasizes that he never looks worried. Eek-a-Mouse acknowledges the dangers of his environment, with gunshots potentially coming his way, but he remains ready for any storm that may come his way. He calls upon the Lord to guide and protect him, and expresses a desire to see those who threaten him suffer and be buried in the hood.

The second verse continues with a nonchalant and unapologetic attitude. Eek-a-Mouse dismisses those who try to talk about artists he has signed, as he is focused on making money and improving his own situation. He raps about wanting to put money in his clothes and on the road, highlighting his material aspirations. The verse takes a darker turn as he contemplates committing murder to achieve his goals and eliminate threats, showcasing the extreme lengths he is willing to go to succeed. Eek-a-Mouse presents himself as a hustler, willing to do whatever it takes to overcome obstacles and secure his future.

The final verse establishes Eek-a-Mouse as an authentic figure in the hip-hop scene. He references various iconic figures, such as Goldie, Shaft, and characters from the movie "Cooley High," embodying street knowledge and swagger. He hints at his involvement in criminal activities and warns others to get in line or be ready for a confrontation. He asserts himself as someone who may appear quiet and reserved, but will not hesitate to defend himself. Eek-a-Mouse concludes by emphasizing his readiness to leave the scene when danger arises, only to return stronger and more prepared to face any challenges.

Overall, "Ghetto" by Eek-a-Mouse presents a raw and unfiltered perspective on life in the ghetto, highlighting the artist's survival tactics, aspirations, and resilience.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got a bullet in the clip so what ya want?
I am armed and ready to defend myself, what are you looking for?

I've got a lyric I can spit so what ya want?
I have powerful words and rhymes to share, what do you desire?

I'm giving bitches good dick so what ya want?
I am satisfying women sexually, what do you expect?

Hey, hey, so what'cha want?
Hey, hey, what are you seeking from me?

My Ghetto Pop Life hotter than a hot slice
My urban lifestyle is intense and full of passion

I'm an urban entertainer of the hot nights
I am a performer who brings energy and excitement to the city nights

I don't wanna see no end because it's not right
I do not want this lifestyle to come to an end because it is unfair

I'm just a brother who never
I am a man who has never

Compromised his integrity
Allowed his values or principles to be compromised

My legacy is heavenly
The impact I leave behind is highly significant

Bury me in the hood
Lay me to rest in the neighborhood I come from

Never think I'm not cautious, hey
Do not underestimate my vigilance and awareness

I recognize what a wrong look'll cost us
I understand the consequences that can come from someone looking at us in a negative way

So inside I'm always nervous
Internally, I am continuously anxious

But I never look worried
However, I never show outward signs of concern

Come for me
If someone comes to confront me

Gun shot flurries in a hurry
A rapid series of gunshots will be fired quickly

Come get me
Attempt to come and find me

And be where I perform, stay warm
Be present at my performances, enjoy the atmosphere

I'm prepared for the storm
I am ready to face any challenges or difficulties

And I brought the heat with me
I have brought intensity and passion along with me

Lord, please talk to these boys
I request that God guides and communicates with these individuals

'Fore I leave they evening spoilt
Before I leave and ruin their evening

Put 'em six feet up under the soil
Bury them six feet deep in the ground

Looking at the roots of trees
Viewing the foundation and origins of life

Better yet leave they bodies all out in the open so the flies can feed
Alternatively, leave their corpses exposed so that flies can feast on them

And when the 'hood get dry I supply the need
When the neighborhood lacks resources, I provide what is necessary

Y'all fagot niggas keep it moving honey riding with me
All of you weak individuals can continue on your way while I have attractive women with me

And I never politic when I be on some cool out shit
I never engage in politics when I am relaxing and minding my own business

Don't even run up on me talking 'bout some artist that you signed
Do not even approach me discussing artists that you claim to have signed

'Cos I don't really give a fuck and I ain't really got the time
Because I genuinely do not care, and I have no spare time

I'm trying to put some money in my clothes
I am focused on making money to enhance my lifestyle

Sean clothes, Jah clothes
High-end designer clothing from Sean John and Rasta-inspired clothing

First, did you come with six zeros?
Firstly, did you bring a large sum of money?

Fuck y'all then, I'm trying to put some dubs on the road
Forget all of you, I am attempting to acquire expensive cars

Then just slide up in the club and try to bubble some hoes
Then casually enter the club and attempt to attract and engage with attractive women

Player, the harder we grind, the further we go
My friend, the more effort we put in, the more successful we become

I'm at the point I'm ready to commit a murder to blow
I have reached a level where I am willing to do anything to achieve success

Whatever it takes, I see the nigga holding the case
By any means necessary, I notice the person in control of the situation

Look dead in his face, hit the nigga holding the weight
Stare directly into his eyes, attack the person with power and influence

Make his man take me to the crib and go in the safe
Force his accomplice to bring me to their home and access the safe

Jah done made the reservation so we ready to peel
I have made plans, and now we are prepared to depart

For real, without no hesitation Nitty bustin' the steel
Seriously, without any hesitation, Nitty will use firearms